Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter
Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel filled with many symbols. Symbolism is a literary device used to portray another object or emotion. It was used many times throughout the novel. Hawthorne's unique used of the letter A, the scenery of the rose bush, and the settings of forest to make the characters, Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingsworth, and Pearl, are ways he used symbolism in the novel.
The red letter A is presented but has to be figured out to find its meaning. It is shown in many forms and places. It also had many meanings. It represents more than just the sin of adultery. It has a different meaning for each character. To Hester, the A is a symbol of humiliation. She is hidden behind it and it becomes larger than Hester, which signifies the town's view of her sin. "Ah, but let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart." They do not see the human behind the scarlet letter, but they only saw the sinner. For Hester, the A is not only a symbol of adultery, but also a symbol of alienation. She is an outcast from society and the women treat her differently by constantly sneering at her in public. The scarlet letter is a symbol of what society wants to see. The townspeople soon begin to accept her and believe that letter had supernatural powers. They decide that it meant able. The townspeople's opinion and vision of the scarlet letter changes into the complete opposite within a short period of time. To the Puritan community, it is a mark of just punishment. In the beginning of the story the letter struck fear into society's hearts. It symbolizes the unfair humiliation she endures, such as standing on the scaffold. To Pearl, the A is a bright and mysterious curiosity, which symbolizes her existence and the meaning behind it. Pearl almost mocks Hester by creating and A on her chest made of green seaweed, which represents her innocence, but also signifies her future and...
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